In the previous post, we talked about doing good. This week, we’re reflecting on who we should do good to.
Galatians 6:10 says “Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.” (NLT)
Especially.
Whenever God repeats Himself, emphasizing a particular point, it’s because He knows that this may be a point of struggle for us. In this case, He details that the family of faith is included in “everyone”.
The family of faith is not to be excluded when we have the opportunity to do good.
While family are the ones who should be nearest and dearest to us, the reality is that we can take them for granted if we’re not careful. We make assumptions about the spirituality of our brothers and sisters in Christ, based on our own faith experience.
Because we attend the same churches, observe the Sabbath, eat similar foods, and pray, we figure the whole family is well. Since they’re already part of the faith family, they won’t need the same type of attention that those who are not.
And yet our very own faith family does leave the faith home.
Occasionally, they leave due to spiritual struggle or crisis. Most often, it’s because they haven’t been treated well. We’ve overlooked them when doing good, leaving our family of faith feeling neglected and unloved.
As outreach and evangelism are important to the mission of the church, so are kindness and love. It’s hard to proclaim that God is loving if His love isn’t reflected in the behavior and actions of His children.
In looking for opportunities to do good, let’s ask God to show us specifically who from the family of faith needs a boost of His love.
And then, do it.
In addition to doing good, let’s also be love.
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by Sabrina Jacques-Rowe
Communication Director, Henderson Highway Church